A Warren man has been ordered to spend 20 years to life in prison for raping an eight-year-old girl on Christmas Eve 2023.

The sentence was handed down Wednesday to 46-year-old David Varner, who pleaded guilty last month to two counts of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition. 

The charges stem from the rape of an eight-year-old victim on Christmas Eve 2023 in which Varner fondled and engaged in sex with the victim.

If he ever gets out of prison, Varner will have to register as a tier 3 sex offender four times per year for the rest of his life.

According to the Trumbull County Prosecutor's Office, the state originally agreed on a 15-year to life sentence in a plea deal arrangement. However, judge Sean O'Brien said he was appalled by the background of the case and that sentence was raised to 20 years to life.

"I can't think of a worse crime that has been committed while I have been on this bench," Judge O'Brien said.

The victim's family members were in the courtroom during the sentencing, but chose not to speak.